Chanukah

Chanukah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Macabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The modern home celebration of Chanukah centers around the lighting of the Chanukiyah, a special menorah for Chanukah; unique foods, latkes and jelly doughnuts; and special songs and games.

Chanukah Blessing Sound Files

Chanukah Candles 1

Baruch ata Adonai Eloheynu Melech Ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav vetzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Chanukah.
Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Chanukah.

Chanukah Candles 1 – Read

Chanukah Candles 2

Baruch ata Adonai Eloheynu Melech Ha’Olam, she’asa ni’sim la’avoteynu ba’yamim ha’heym ba’zman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in days of old at this time of year.

Chanukah Candles 2 – Read

Shehecheyanu

Baruch ata Adonai Eloheynu Melech Ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’ki’y’manu, v’hi’gi’anu la’zman hazeh.
Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to celebrate this season.

Shehecheyanu – Read

For more on the history and traditions of Chanukah click here.